Name: Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tuscan/Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil or oil from the sun-dried tomato jar; 1 tablespoon butter; ½ cup red onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, roughly chopped; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup chicken broth; 30 oz canned butter beans, drained and rinsed (two 15-ounce cans); 3 cups spinach (or more, to preference); ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, plus more for serving

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 55 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the heart of Italy, you’re going to adore this Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe. It’s a luscious, creamy, and utterly comforting concoction that combines tender butter beans with fragrant herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a dreamy Parmesan cream sauce. Every spoonful is a celebration of vibrant flavors and rich textures, perfect for anytime you want to bring a little Tuscan sunshine to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side views of a black cast iron pan on a white marbled surface. The left side shows the pan filled halfway with a dark sauce and sun-dried tomatoes, topped with a large heap of pale beige beans placed in the center. The right side shows the same pan with the beans fully mixed into the sauce, now coated in a glossy reddish-brown liquid, with the sun-dried tomatoes still visible scattered throughout. The texture on the right is saucy and thick with soft beans, while the left side contrasts the dry beans on top of the sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays an important role in building those complex but soothing flavors and textures. From the rich heaviness of butter to the bright zing of sun-dried tomatoes, every element is essential.

2 tablespoon olive oil or oil from the sun-dried tomato jar: Adds a fruity, aromatic base that’s packed with flavor and helps soften the veggies perfectly.
1 tablespoon butter: Brings a luscious richness and silky mouthfeel that complements the cream and cheese beautifully.
½ cup red onion diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and a mild bite to balance the creaminess.
4 cloves garlic minced: Provides that unmistakable punch and deep aroma that lifts the entire dish.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor with an intensely savory depth.
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed, roughly chopped: Gives bursts of tangy sweetness and a chewy texture that’s pure Tuscan magic.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy, herbal warmth that echoes classic Italian flavors.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a fragrant, sweet note that rounds out the herb mix perfectly.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Creates just enough heat to keep things interesting without overpowering the creaminess.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and brings balance.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick that contrasts beautifully with the richness.
1 cup chicken broth: Provides a savory liquid base that ties everything together and keeps the dish moist.
30 oz canned butter beans drained and rinsed (two 15-ounce cans): These tender beans add protein and that buttery texture that makes this dish so satisfying.
3 cups spinach or more: Introduces a fresh, vibrant green color and a bit of earthiness to lighten up the cream.
½ cup heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously smooth sauce that wraps all ingredients in creamy goodness.
½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, plus more for serving: Infuses the dish with sharp, nutty flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth finish.

How to Make Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil or oil from the sun-dried tomato jar together with the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the diced red onion and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook until just golden and aromatic. This step is crucial—it builds the deep flavor foundation that makes the dish sing.

Step 2: Add Tomato and Herbs

Next, stir in the tomato paste and allow it to cook for a minute to deepen its flavor. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until it’s well combined and the herbs release their fragrant oils. This melding moment is where the Tuscan vibe truly takes shape in your pan.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Beans

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the drained butter beans and let everything cook together for about 8-10 minutes, allowing the beans to absorb the rich flavors while softening even more. This simmer is what transforms simple beans into a soulful centerpiece.

Step 4: Stir in Spinach and Cream

Lower the heat and add the spinach so it wilts gently into the sauce, adding freshness and color. Then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the cream thickens into a velvety, decadent sauce that clings lovingly to every bean.

Step 5: Final Adjustments

Give the dish a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. A little extra cheese or a pinch of black pepper can elevate it to the perfect balance you’ll love. Let the Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe rest for a few moments before serving, so all the flavors have time to marry beautifully.

How to Serve Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe

A black cast iron pan filled with a creamy mixture of white beans, bright green spinach leaves, and light brown mushroom slices, all mixed in a warm orange-brown sauce that covers the bottom and layers evenly across the pan’s surface. On top of this, there is a layer of finely grated white cheese piled mainly in the center, slightly spreading outward to touch the beans and spinach around it. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and the food looks fresh and rich, showing the textures of the vegetables and beans clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top is a must for that extra cheesy punch. Adding a few torn fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good quality olive oil will brighten the flavors and lend an elegant finish. For a bit of crunch, toasted pine nuts or crusty breadcrumbs make a delightful contrast to the creamy beans.

Side Dishes

This buttery, creamy dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crusty Italian bread or garlic focaccia to soak up every bit of sauce. A light, crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness, while roasted vegetables or grilled chicken add hearty elements for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the butter beans in small shallow bowls or rustic terracotta dishes that evoke a casual Tuscan trattoria feel. You can also spoon the beans over creamy polenta or grilled polenta fries for an indulgent twist. Another fun idea is to use the butter beans as a topping for crostini or bruschetta for an elegant appetizer that impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and are best enjoyed within 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld in the fridge, making leftovers even tastier the next day—just give it a gentle stir before reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze the Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe if needed. Use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top as the cream sauce may expand when frozen. It should keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of broth or cream can help restore the sauce’s luxurious texture. Avoid microwaving at high heat as it can cause the ingredients to dry out or become grainy.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream, and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative. The flavors will still be rich and delicious.

Are butter beans the same as lima beans?

Butter beans are actually a type of lima bean but are typically larger and creamier. They work beautifully in this recipe because of their soft, buttery texture and mild flavor.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Fresh tomatoes won’t provide the same concentrated sweetness and depth as sun-dried tomatoes, which are essential in this recipe. If you can’t find them oil-packed, you can rehydrate dried sun-dried tomatoes and add a touch of olive oil to mimic the rich flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth. Just double-check any processed ingredients to be sure.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that enhances the overall flavor without overwhelming. You can adjust the amount according to your heat preference or omit them for a milder version.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe that feels both indulgent and nourishing at the same time. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and enjoy the simple luxury of wholesome, vibrant ingredients coming together in creamy harmony. I can’t wait for you to try it and let this Tuscan treasure brighten your kitchen and your meals.